Tonic Salon & Spa III

Shawn is the best. THE BEST. I go to her for natural honey blonde Balayage that lasts months in-​between appointments and looks great the whole time it’s growing out. I live in Los Angeles, a town full of top hair professionals, and still I wait until I’m coming to Santa Cruz to have Shawn work her artistry on my head.
If you want a color change or haircut, she’s your girl. She used to work at L’Atelier and now Tonic is lucky to have her bright spirit and super-​talents. Plus the salon is a block away from New Leaf, which means you can have kale salad and the greatest stylist in town.

My life has been crazy the last few months and scheduling an appointment at my usual spot was always up in the air. You know that feeling when enough is enough and you need to get your haircut? That was totally today. It was a long shot but I started calling salons knowing my usual stylist wasn’t available until April. I had not gotten my haircut since July and there was some bad juju/​lots of length that had to go!!! Like today!!!
Finally, Tonic was my eighth call… There was a spot open and I had the pleasure of getting to meet Becca. She totally listened, gave suggestions and did not do a full court press on purchasing products or doing super out there things with my hair. Within 30 – 40 minutes I had 10 pounds of hair gone, some really cute layers, lots of lengths snipped away and voila!!! Like new!
SUPER CONVENIENT hours (including Sunday WHATTT!!) Which makes this another go– to when I need to cut my hair. They also have free bang trims if you are a customer in between cuts/​colors.
My haircut and shampoo was 60.00 total. Not bad at all considering other places in the area.
Highly recommend.

I can’t believe I was charged 125 dollars for a trim and black hair dye. I DIDNT EVEN GET HIGHLIGHTS OR ANYTHING SPECIAL!!! JUST PLAIN BLACK AND I WAS CHARGED 80 DOLLARS!!! SHE EVEN MISSED A FEW SPOTS!!! I have a very short pixie cut that needed reshaping and dying and some how that costs 125 for a mediocre trim and dye job?!? NO THANK YOU. I could cut my own hair and dye it for less than 5 dollars and it would look better. THANKS FOR NOTHING
NEVER RETURNING

RAXA IS AMAZING! Threaded my eyebrows and upper lip here for a year and im back for my second! I have to see raxa an average of once a month she keeps my eyebrows looking phenomenal! I definitely recommend her 100% she is wayyyyy better than any place that’ll wax your eyebrows! Big no no never wax them! I paid 18 $ for my upper lip and eyebrow threading, and she did it without hurting me at all! She really knows het stuff.

I am very happy with Jessica Tosti! I just had my second cut which removed very dry, two-​tone hair. She listened to my ideas and came up with a successful direction. In our prior appointment, she had some great ideas on toning down brassy highlights. Jessica is an extremely skilled stylist and I highly recommend her. She is also a lovely person.

KILEY is amazing! I have been coming to Tonic and seeing Kiley for about a year now and she never ceases to produce outstanding results. My hair has been through hell after years of harsh coloring and Kiley has not only healed and restored my once fried ends but she also does a wonderful job with my cuts and color. Her kindness and bubbly personality always leaves me in high sprints and I feel like a princess everytime I walk out of the salon. I will never go to anyone else!

Kiley keeps my hair looking fabulous, the way she cuts it is easily maintained and she is always fast, professional and efficient. I wouldn’t go anywhere else ! I love my hair and you’ll love Kiley!

had eyelash extensions by Leah. Just awful. Many fell off within 2 days. Went to another salon where they said the work was irreparable. had to have them removed and started over. so disappointed.

I’ve been going to Tonic for about 6 months now and am in love with my stylist Katie! That girl knows how to correct hair damage like nobody’s business.
I first went in because another stylist elsewhere had given me the worst color I’ve ever had while frying my hair in the process. Katie immediately knew what to do and after only a few visits my hair felt and looked like it had never been damaged! My hair feels & looks amazing now, and I get compliments on it all the time! I tell all of my friends to go to Katie. She’s THE stylist to go to!

I got my hair colored for the first time earlier this year (hair virgin no more) and it was a DISASTER to say the least. I seriously contemplated going back to my natural black hair. Despite my reservations, I decided to give it one more chance. Nick, truly a master of his craft, saved the hot mess that was on my head. He knew exactly what to do with my thick Asian hair and it’s never looked better. Thanks Nick!

This review is for the threading service by Raxa, who is amazing !! When I lived down south, I went threading monthly, so I definitely can tell the difference between a fast job and a perfectionist. Raxa is a perfectionist!
I get full face threading, which also includes the neck area for $ 35.The threading is done in a private room at the back of the salon, which I love! She is very careful and always asks if I am satisfied with each of my eyebrows, as well as other sections of my face. To finish, she includes a massage with a lotion or gel of my choice! I opted for the aloe vera lotion.
I recommend setting an appointment ahead of time. She is back to back booked so it might be harder to be seen if you’re a walk in. This is my second visit, and I booked through her email that she will provide on her business card, or you can call the salon itself and book there.
I will definitely be a regular!

I was so pampered,
Peg had a gentle healing touch and made me look and feel so good. I have to come back soon! I know I’ll get looks after leaving. Thanks Peg So relaxing and friendly. They make sure you are comfortable. Great facilities, I loved the shampoo and oill treatment with steam dryer. amazing place. I would highly recommend this therapeutic experience,! come on in Wamm members.

After having a bad experience years ago at Tonic, I never thought I would return. My Stylist Jess has completely changed my opinion around, and made me a loyal customer. She is THE BEST hairstylist I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in the chair of. My hair is pin straight and very finicky, but she must have magic scissors. She is also the most gentle stylist I have been too, (and gives an amazing scalp massage when she shampoos). My hair has from looking stringy and limp to bouncy and full of movement. Beyond her skills as a stylist, her professional manner and upbeat attitude are refreshing. I can’t stand stylists that trash talk other salons, and she is perfectly drama-​free.
I bring my entire family to her, and will continue to spread the word of her greatness. Tonic has an incredible asset in her. Her classy attitude and high-​end service perfectly match the atmosphere of Tonic, which has beautiful décor. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

My Husband and I randomly took a day trip from SF to SC. I’ve been working a lot and had neglected my hair.
We drove by Tonic and stopped in unannounced and inquired if anyone had time for a haircut and lucky me…
Nickolas introduced himself and he was busy assisting another client and could have easily turned me away but he graciously fit me in and did a great job.
What a great first impression!
The salon is stylish, the vibe is welcoming and Nickolas was incredibly professional and I would recommend this salon to my friends based on this experience!
Thank you!

Nick is seriously AMAZING! I’ve been to a few different hairstylists and he is the best, I don’t think I’ll ever go to anyone else. My hair was in pretty bad shape (a lot of split ends and a faded color) when I went in. He totally reshaped my hair and trimmed the ends off, while keeping most of the length. Then, he did an amazing balayage on my hair and it’s the best my hair has ever looked! He’s a great, chill, and personable hairstylist that I would 100% recommend, especially if you are looking for a new one in the Santa Cruz area!

I come here for eye brow threading with Raxa. She is very good and even tends to remember people who go often. Her fee is about 12 $ for eyebrow.
It’s a little more expensive than what I am use to but for Santa Cruz, it’s average. She does a great job and you can pay by card or cash.
She’s a tough lady and it is kinda painful cause she just goes at it but finishes quick. A sitting will be about 15 mins.
She did mess up once in my brow and left a little bald spot but that was once out of the hundred times I’ve gone. It’s bound to happen at some point.

I had a great experience at Tonic on a busy Saturday morning!
Courtney Jean colored my hair this amazing deep purple that I completely loved after helping me figure out what I actually wanted. She’s super sweet and has her hairstyling game locked down.
The salon is clean and tastefully decorated while the rest of the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
I’m glad I went and I’ll be back with friends!

Nickolas is the best stylist in town! I always go to him when I need an affordable, stylish haircut — which is especially important being on a college budget. He is always able to give me the haircut I want and really knows how to give people the exact cut they are looking for. He also has great ideas if your not sure what haircut you want — he is able to find something that will go well with your hair type and face shape. I have been to many hairdressers in the area and he is by far the best.
I would highly suggest everyone take a chance and see nick for your next haircut!

It took me awhile to find a great hair stylist after moving to the area, but now that I’ve found Nick I am not going anywhere!
I used to have my hair colored, highlighted, cut and styled. But being a stay at home mom now, my budget just doesn’t afford me that luxury. Most places I’ve been to always want to up sell you on additional products or services. I’ve never had that experience here. Nick actually tells me what great hair I have and that I don’t need it! Precision haircuts, perfect layers, he knows the trends and what will look good on you. Bonus: he’s also a fun guy to chat up while you’re getting your hair cut.
Now my whole family sees Nick!

Honestly I have never been to this salon in particular before. I have however been a client of Jessica’s. She was my stylist for 3 years and I hated swing her leave. Good news for you though because she is in SC for you!
Not only did she do my cut perfect every time (and I’m very picky as I have long hair), she helped me make the best decision about what would benefit me. What would look best. What would emphasize my best features.
Not only is she a great stylist, she is amazing to talk too. Many many laughs were had, and she would always listen to all my problems. Like a stylist and a therapist all roles into one. I actually looked forewarn to my every 8 week appointment when before with other girls I would avoid coming in if at all possible.
I jealous of all the clients she has now but I’m so happy she is moving up! Go see her! You won’t regret it!